treating liverCategoriesSemaglutide Health Benefits
By

New Studies shows Semaglutide treats fatty liver disease

According to recent reports, a newly developed drug has been found effective in reducing fat in individuals suffering from fatty liver disease. The drug has been found to reduce fat by up to 65%.

A new treatment for an advanced form of fatty liver disease has shown promise in treating NASH (non-alcoholic steatohepatitis), a serious condition that affects 2-5% of people in the US. NASH is characterized by a buildup of excess fat in the liver, leading to chronic inflammation and liver damage, and is often linked to obesity, diabetes, high cholesterol and metabolic syndrome.

Semaglutide, a drug used to treat obesity and diabetes, is a GLP-1 agonist that some researchers believe can treat NASH. However, a small study by biotech company Akero Therapeutics suggests that semaglutide alone may not be able to treat NASH. Instead, it seems to work better when combined with efruxifermin (EFX), Akero’s in-development NASH treatment.

The combination of semaglutide and EFX appears to be safe and compatible with other drugs used to treat obesity, diabetes, and related health issues. The findings of this study offer hope for those suffering from NASH, a condition that can lead to cirrhosis, liver failure, and cancer if left untreated. While improved diet and increased exercise can slow or even reverse the progression of NASH, there is currently no approved medical treatment for this condition.

Akero conducted a 12-week study on 31 patients with type 2 diabetes and liver scarring caused by NASH. All participants were already taking a GLP-1 drug for their diabetes or obesity. During the study, 21 patients were given EFX while the remaining 10 were given a placebo.

At the end of the study, it was found that patients who took EFX had an average reduction in liver fat of 65% as compared to when they started. Additionally, 88% of this group achieved normal levels of liver fat. In contrast, the placebo group experienced an average reduction of just 10% in liver fat, and only 10% of the participants achieved normal liver fat levels after the 12 weeks.

The combination NASH treatment was well-tolerated, with mild gastrointestinal issues being the most common side effect. While one participant dropped out of the study due to nausea, no serious drug-related adverse events were reported. According to Tim Rolph, Akero’s co-founder and CSO, GLP-1 is likely to be widely used in this population, even without a formal NASH label. Therefore, being compatible and providing additional value specific to NASH on top of existing therapies will enable the treatment to be successful.

It is important to note that the study conducted was relatively small. Hence, more research needs to be done to determine whether EFX is an effective treatment for NASH, with or without the addition of a GLP-1 drug. Akero is planning to release the results of a larger Phase 2B trial of EFX by the end of 2023, and it is also aiming to launch two Phase 3 trials of the drug this year.

bringing pillCategoriesSemaglutide Health Benefits
By

Semaglutide: A Game-Changer in Weight Loss

Semaglutide: A Game Changer in the Fight Against Obesity

Obesity is a growing epidemic that affects millions of people worldwide. Despite the numerous weight loss options available, many individuals struggle to achieve long-term success. However, a new drug called semaglutide is changing the game

sema in the fight against obesity.

Semaglutide is a medication that was originally developed to treat type 2 diabetes. However, during clinical trials, it was discovered that patients taking the drug experienced significant weight loss. This led to further research, which culminated in the approval of semaglutide for weight loss by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in June 2021.

How does semaglutide work?

The medication is a GLP-1 receptor agonist, which means it mimics the action of a hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) in the body. GLP-1 is naturally produced in the intestine and helps regulate blood sugar levels by stimulating insulin secretion. However, it also has an effect on appetite, causing individuals to feel full and satisfied after eating. Semaglutide works by binding to GLP-1 receptors in the brain, reducing hunger and increasing feelings of fullness. This results in a decrease in calorie intake, leading to weight loss. In clinical trials, patients taking semaglutide lost an average of 15% of their body weight over a period of 68 weeks, compared to just 2.4% for those taking a placebo.

The approval of semaglutide for weight loss is a significant milestone in the fight against obesity. It offers a new, effective option for individuals who have struggled to lose weight through diet and exercise alone. However, it is important to note that semaglutide is not a magic pill. It should be used in conjunction with a healthy diet and regular exercise to achieve the best results.

Semaglutide is not without side effects, and individuals considering the medication should consult with their healthcare provider to determine if it is right for them. However, for many individuals struggling with obesity, semaglutide represents a new hope for achieving long-term weight loss success.